Community Comes to the Aid of Residents Displaced by Apartment Explosion

DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) – The effort to assist families impacted by this week’s explosion at a South Dallas apartment complex is citywide.

The American Red Cross DFW continues to work with the City of Dallas Office of Emergency Management and apartment property management to assist residents displaced by the explosion.

Following the blast, local officials evacuated the area and Red Cross volunteers handed out water and comfort kits containing hygiene essentials like a toothbrush, toothpaste, body wash, deodorant and other items.

“We have some residents who have kids who go to school,” said City Councilman Tennell Atkins. “I just talked to a woman from Chicago who just moved down here. She has four kids and she can’t get into her unit. She doesn’t know what to do.”

A reception center was opened at the Tommie M. Allen Recreation Center for those displaced. At the reception center, Red Cross workers provided food and water and verified each person’s address. Those affected then met with the City of Dallas Office of Emergency Management to be assigned emergency accommodations. From those displaced, more than 150 people from approximately 60 families checked in to receive accommodations.

According to the Red Cross, once local officials determine it is safe, some families may be cleared to return home. Red Cross caseworkers are meeting with each family significantly impacted to offer resources to support their recovery, including Red Cross health, mental health, and spiritual care services are also available. Red Cross caseworkers will also connect families with additional community resources as needed.

Residents of the complex said they smelled gas before the explosion. The exact cause is still under investigation. Three Dallas firefighters were critically injured in the blast. Crews were sorting through rubble at the site of the explosion on Thursday.